As Christians all over the world mark the feast of Easter, the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has urged them to reach out and touch their neighbours with love, saying that Nigeria’s most complex problems could be solved with love.
In a special Easter Message delivered in Awka, the state capital, by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr James Eze, Governor Obiano observed that there is no greater manifestation of unconditional love than the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the salvation of mankind which the feast of Easter represents.
“The essence of Easter is love. There’s no incident in known history that is higher than a man laying down his own life for his neighbours. This is why Easter is about the love we show to our neighbours, no matter who they are,” he said.
The Governor maintained that “In dying on the cross, Jesus Christ demonstrated sacrificial love. In rising from the dead, he gave us hope and sealed our salvation. So, there can be no doubt that it is only love that can heal our broken world. And with love, we can make the society a better place for everyone.”
Speaking further on the significance of Easter to Nigeria’s national dilemma, Obiano observed that “We are at a point in our political development when some of our most intimidating challenges can be solved by a simple act of love. Love for our country and love for our neighbours and fellow citizens. We must demonstrate that love today. That is the spirit and essence of Easter.”
He therefore exhorted Christians to live out the full meaning of Easter by eschewing those tendencies that endanger love and touching their neighbours in the same way that Christ touched mankind with love.
The Governor, who has just resumed work after a little holiday, explained that he purposely came back to celebrate Easter with ndi Anambra because his heart belonged with the people.